For the first time in Oscars history, the people responsible for finding the perfect actors for every role are getting their moment in the spotlight. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced the five nominees for the brand new Achievement in Casting award, set to be handed out at the 98th Oscars ceremony on March 15. This marks the first new competitive category added since Best Animated Feature in 2002. The nominated films are Hamnet, Marty Supreme, One Battle After Another, The Secret Agent, and Sinners.
The creation of this award formally recognizes a fundamental part of filmmaking that has historically operated behind the scenes. Casting directors work with directors and producers to select actors, discover new talent, and build the entire ensemble of a film. The move to honor this craft follows years of campaigning and comes after the academy established a Casting Directors branch in 2013.
What the New Casting Oscar Honors
The Achievement in Casting award is designed to recognize the overall casting of a film, not just its lead actors or star power. The focus is on the complete ensemble and the work of the casting director in bringing that specific group of performers together. According to the academy’s rules, only the credited casting director or directors for a film are eligible for the award
The path to a nomination was unique for this inaugural year. Members of the academy’s casting branch first created a shortlist of ten films. The casting directors for those films then participated in a special presentation, often called a “bake-off,” where they submitted materials like a written account of their process and a five-minute reel from the movie to illustrate their work. Branch members then voted to select the final five nominees.
While the casting branch chose the nominees, the entire voting membership of the academy will select the winner. The award will be presented during the live Oscar telecast.
The Five Nominated Films and Their Casting Directors
The nominees represent a wide range of films, from intimate dramas to large-scale epics, each showcasing a different kind of casting excellence.
Hamnet (Casting by Nina Gold)
Nina Gold is recognized for her work on Hamnet, a tragic drama directed by Chloé Zhao that explores the life of Shakespeare’s family. The film is nominated for nine Oscars, including Best Picture. Gold’s casting is highlighted by the lead performance of Jessie Buckley, who earned a Best Actress nomination for her role. Gold is known for her extensive work on major projects, including the Game of Thrones series and several Star Wars films.
Marty Supreme (Casting by Jennifer Venditti)
The frenetic table-tennis drama Marty Supreme, directed by Josh Safdie, features a nomination for casting director Jennifer Venditti. The film stars Timothée Chalamet, who received a Best Actor nod. Venditti’s work is noted for incorporating unexpected faces and people with little acting experience into the film’s vibrant world. She is credited with championing actor Odessa A’zion for a key role, remembering her from a past audition and advocating for her to the director.
One Battle After Another (Casting by Cassandra Kulukundis)
The political thriller One Battle After Another, from director Paul Thomas Anderson, scored 13 total nominations, second only to Sinners. Casting director Cassandra Kulukundis assembled a cast that earned four acting nominations: Leonardo DiCaprio for Best Actor, and Benicio del Toro, Sean Penn, and Teyana Taylor for supporting roles. Kulukundis’s work involved filling both major star roles and smaller, critically important parts that bring authenticity to the film’s world.
The Secret Agent (Casting by Gabriel Domingues)
This Brazilian political thriller, also an International Feature Film nominee, is recognized for the casting work of Gabriel Domingues. The film’s lead, Wagner Moura, earned a surprise nomination for Best Actor. Domingues’s nomination highlights the global scope of the new category, honoring casting achievements in international cinema that assemble compelling ensembles for audiences worldwide.
Sinners (Casting by Francine Maisler)
The musical horror film Sinners made Oscars history by securing 16 nominations, breaking the all-time record. Casting director Francine Maisler is nominated for building the film’s complex ensemble. Her work is directly connected to three acting nominations: Michael B. Jordan for Best Actor, and Delroy Lindo and Wunmi Mosaku for supporting roles. Maisler, a highly respected veteran, was tasked with casting a large period piece that required a wide range of characters, from major stars to supporting players who could deliver powerful performances.
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Why This New Oscar Category Matters
The introduction of the casting award is part of a broader effort by the academy to acknowledge essential behind-the-scenes crafts. A similar award for stunt design is scheduled to be introduced in 2028. For casting directors, the recognition is long-awaited. As casting director Jessica Kelly explained, their work often happens early in production and isn’t visible on set, leading to a perception that “nobody knows what we do”.
Casting directors often act as advocates for actors and crucial creative partners to directors. They are responsible for finding not just the lead, but every actor who appears on screen, ensuring the entire ensemble works in harmony.
“An entire ensemble of a movie did not get there without a casting director,” said casting director Jessica Kelly. “And I think it should be about the whole, not just because Leonardo DiCaprio killed it again.”
The winner of the first-ever Achievement in Casting Oscar will be revealed when the 98th Academy Awards air live on Sunday, March 15, 2026, on ABC and Hulu. The ceremony will be hosted by Conan O’Brien.
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